Fall 2025 John Jay Soccer Tryouts

by John Jay Coaching Staff

Please take a few minutes to carefully read through the following information to ensure that you're fully prepared for the days ahead. It contains important eligibility requirements, our expectations as a program, the tryout schedule, and final reminders as we get started.

Eligibility

To begin, every player must have an up-to-date physical completed by the school doctor in order to participate. No physical means no play—no exceptions. In terms of eligibility, all players must be 18 years old or younger as of July 1st, 2025. Players who turned 19 after July 1 are still eligible; however, those who turned 19 before July 1 are unfortunately ineligible to participate. Any player entering their fifth year at John Jay is also not eligible to play. For student-athletes transferring from another high school, you must meet with our Athletic Director to be cleared before you can try out.

Academic eligibility also plays a crucial role. Players must have passed all of their 4th marking period classes, or failed no more than one class while maintaining an overall average above 70%. Incoming ninth graders and transfers are academically eligible automatically, but returning John Jay students must meet the academic standards in order to try out. In addition, all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors must be enrolled in at least six classes, while Seniors must be taking a minimum of five classes to maintain eligibility.

Attire & Equipment

When it comes to equipment, players should bring proper footwear to each session. Running shoes are required for track and fitness work—no cleats are allowed on the track surface. Players must have soccer cleats and shin guards for all soccer activities. Jewelry is strictly prohibited during all athletic activities. If you must and/or cannot wear something during a soccer match, you must/cannot wear it during soccer tryouts. Additionally, players should come with both a white and dark/blue shirt (or reversible scrimmage vest) to all tryout sessions.

Tryout Schedule & Evaluation Criteria

Tryouts begin Monday, 8/25, with a session beginning at 8:30 AM for all players, whether they are trying out for the JV or Varsity teams. JV tryouts will end at 11:00 AM, while players trying out for the Varsity team's morning session will conclude at 12:00 PM. Players trying out for the Varsity team will have a second session on Monday 8/25 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, as well. On Tuesday, 8/26, Varsity tryouts will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and again from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, while JV tryouts will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. After the Tuesday afternoon session, the Varsity team will be selected, and posted here on our website. JV will have one final tryout session on Wednesday, 8/27, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, after which, the JV team will be selected, and posted here on our website. This will conclude the tryout process for both teams, and team practices will immediately begin subsequently.

During the tryout process, players are evaluated across four components: fitness, technical ability, tactical understanding, and the psychological side of the game. Our goal is to form teams built not just on skill (though this is a large factor), but on work ethic, decision-making, and the kind of team-first mentality that defines our program. 

Player Expectations & Conduct

The soccer program is built on pride, discipline, and character. Representing John Jay Soccer extends far beyond the field. Sportsmanship is a non-negotiable value. We expect respectful, composed, and competitive behavior at all times. That means no yellow cards, no arguing, no disrespect toward teammates, opponents, or referees. There is no place in our program for hazing, teasing, bullying, cursing, or careless behavior of any kind. You are responsible for retrieving your own ball, picking up after yourself, and taking care of our facilities. We do not tolerate kicking balls into crowds or engaging in reckless play. In terms of conduct off the field, players must drive responsibly at all times near the complex and school: no speeding, loud music, or horseplay in vehicles, and always park in designated spots. You can read more about this on our Player Expectations page.

We are not a collection of individuals, we are a team. Every player is expected to check their ego at the gate and commit to helping the group succeed in every way possible. Success is not defined by winning alone, but by doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.

Over the years, our program has earned respect across the state, not just for how we play, but for how we carry ourselves. We've been recognized with the Sportsmanship Award at the State Final Four. We’ve received emails from restaurants praising the maturity of our players. Opposing coaches and referees have commented on how hard our players compete, and how talented they are. We've heard stories from community members about John Jay players opening doors at the mall, or picking up trash on the field after a match without being asked. We’ve gotten messages from parents of youth campers saying what an incredible experience their sons had learning from our players. That is the culture we aim to preserve and strengthen with every new season.